News Archives 2020

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, the More Mesa Preservation Coalition launched the “Living with the Lockdown” Treasure Hunt series, using the enforced pause in everyday life as an opportunity to deepen our awareness of the natural world. Across the year, a wide range of flora and fauna were highlighted—each installment offering insights into the complexity and beauty of More Mesa’s ecosystem. Early entries explored the mysterious and often misunderstood world of owls, focusing on their silent flight, unique anatomy, and exceptional hunting adaptations. Later, bobcats took the spotlight—rarely seen but clearly present, these elusive predators symbolized the wildness still thriving at the edge of urban life. A two-part dive into spiders coincided with Halloween, moving beyond fear and myth to reveal their ecological importance, evolutionary history, and incredible diversity on the Mesa. Other highlights included deep looks at ground squirrels and their intricate social lives, the vital roles of bats in pest control and pollination, and the presence of kites, hawks, and other raptors in More Mesa’s skies. The series also featured snakes and lizards, both vital reptilian players in the food web, and even the underappreciated turkey vulture—nature’s efficient cleanup crew.